Rising Chicago Musicians Offer Throwback Sounds

Four local acts put a twist on a timeless style—and all hit the stage this summer

By Kevin McKeough and Selena Fragassi

Published May 21, 2012

(page 1 of 4)

THE MODERN-DAY SHANGRI-LAS

MARIA JENKINS, 28, and EMMA HOSPELHORN, 31, of HOLLOWS
“We never had this intention of being a girl group,” says Jenkins, whose band, Hollows, is four-fifths women (drummer Jason Davlantes rounds out the quintet that also includes Megan Kasten and Hannah Harris). In 2007, founding members Hospelhorn (right) and Jenkins met via Craigslist and discovered a shared love of harmonies. “That’s when we started having fun with music,” says Hospelhorn.

Their infectious songs transport you to the swinging sixties—and the sound roped in retro-minded fans when the Chicago band opened for Zooey Deschanel at Millennium Park in 2010. That showcase in front of a crowd of 10,000 led to a second LP, Vultures (Trouble in Mind), which came out in April. The album introduces elements of punk and its members’ classical roots—Hospelhorn is a classically trained flutist and Kasten works as a CSO administrator—while staying true to the Hollows’ vintage pop ethos. “It’s more honest and personal this time around,” says Jenkins.

SONG TO SAMPLE: “V Is for Vulture”SHOW TO SEE: Taste of Randolph on June 17. For info, tasterandolph.com